Predicting subjective workload ratings: A comparison and synthesis of theoretical models.

Output data from a computer simulation of two air traffic control (ATC) scenarios were fit to workload ratings that ATC subject matter experts provided while observing each scenario in real time. Simulation output enabled regressions to test the assumptions of a variety of workload prediction models. The models included operational models that use observable situational and behavior variables (such as number of aircraft and communications by type) and theoretical models that use queuing and cognitive architecture variables (such as weightings of activities performed, amount of busy time, and sensory and cognitive resource usage) to predict workload. Regression results suggest models that include number of activities performed weighted by priority are best able to account for the highest amount of variance in subjective workload ratings

Towards Information Requirements for Airport Traffic Control Towers

Proposed enhancements to air traffic control (ATC) procedures and technologies are under development to increase the air traffic capacity above that of today’s system. Many of these potential enhancements implicate major changes to the way operations are performed in Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) today. Prior to the development of new air traffic management systems for use in ATCTs, it is necessary to know how, why, and when ATCT controllers currently use information about flights

When and Why Do Controllers Mark Flight Progress Strips? a Look at Live Traffic

Subject matter experts were employed to record observations of flight progress strip marking across 5 en route ATC facilities. Approximately 220 hours of ATC observations were recorded establishing a group of high frequency/high importance markings. These markings were perceived by controllers to provide performance benefits through externalizing memory and communication. The results are discussed in relation to possible electronic alternatives to flight progress strips.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline

Proposed Scenarios for the Standardization of the Evaluation of New ATC Technologies and Procedures

This project providesFederal Aviation Administration acquisition program managers and system development integration contractors with a standard set of human-in-the-loop simulation scenarios against which new Air Traffic Control (ATC) technologies and procedurescan be evaluated. Wescripted 24scenarios, eight scenarios for each of three different types of airspace, including a TRACON arrival sector and both low and high altitude en route sectors. The scenarios were scripted to re-create real world airspaces that analyses showedare associated with complex traffic situations. They included representations of severe weather and high traffic load for the purpose of demonstrating the performance of new ATC technologiesand procedures when challenged by such real world events. Thescenarios were vetted by retired controllers who had experience working the selected sectors and were provided in a format that allows for input into any ATC simulation platform

Selection for Aviation Related Careers: Air Traffic Control in the Air Force and the FAA

This paper discusses selection research and practice, with a focus on air traffic control specialists (ATCSs). In the USAF and FAA, accurate selection of air traffic control (ATC) trainees is essential because of the cost in time and money to train people for this high-consequence occupation. The FAA continues longitudinal validation research for the Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) battery. Additionally, validation of the AT-SAT for placement by option would allow the FAA to develop a process for assessing applicants’ potential to certify at facilities, providing useful information when determining where placement should occur. Frequently, psychiatric conditions are delineated in medical standards as disqualifying. The value of correctly using psychological testing for screening for psychiatric conditions is addressed. In the future, selection procedures in use today to hire ATCSs who use tactical techniques to separate airplanes might prove to be inappropriate for ATCSs, who will be expected to use strategic ATC methods